Casanova - Carmel

The European cuisine here is simply outstanding. The cannoli-braised beef was exceptional, and the dry-aged ribeye was cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful. The salads were fresh and bursting with taste, and the homemade bread was equally delightful. The back dining area has a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Service was top-notch. Overall, this is a fantastic spot for celebrating any special occasion.

We started our meal with the Bread Service, priced at $9, but unfortunately, it was disappointing. The bread was overcooked and hard, so I wouldn't recommend it. Next, we sampled the Escargot, which featured a delicious buttery filling. Be sure to ask for a side of salt – it makes a big difference! For my main course, I went with the Gnocchi appetizer, which was about the same size as the other entrees, like the Cannelloni. The gnocchi was fantastic: fluffy on the inside with a crispy exterior, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. It was definitely the highlight of the meal! I highly recommend it!

To start with the positives, the service was mostly excellent, as usual. They have a well-trained staff and a knowledgeable sommelier. We ordered a $100 bottle of Italian wine during our last visit, and it was delicious. The only service hiccup was when our server forgot to place our entrees, causing some delays. For a little while, we didn’t see her at all, and the rest of the evening was managed by the food runners, bussers, and hostess who helped with check processing. I’m not sure if she was overwhelmed or just embarrassed, but it’s generally best for servers to handle their tables throughout the meal. I've decided to lower the star rating for this beloved Carmel classic because the menu feels flat. They've had nearly the same items for over two years now, as if a chef provided recipes and then left them without new ideas. In fact, my fiancé and I had agreed months ago during our last visit that we should wait much longer before returning due to the unchanged menu and the lack of specials. Initially, I understood why many restaurants kept their menus small and basic during the pandemic to manage costs, but now, nearly two and a half years later, it's time for an upgrade. As for the food, we ordered the gnocchi as usual, which arrived promptly and was delicious. For our entrees, we chose the beef cannelloni, while I tried the halibut special that came with seasonal mushrooms and a beurre blanc sauce, eager to try something new. However, after observing the table next to us, which was seated about ten minutes later, receive and enjoy their entrees long before ours, it was clear that a mistake had occurred, either by our server or the kitchen. When our meals finally arrived, I regretted not taking a photo. I was disappointed with the halibut, which, while cooked adequately, was served as a plain filet topped with a sad, overcooked pile of mushrooms and a broken beurre blanc sauce scattered across the plate. For a $35 dish, it was rather underwhelming. I’m also a dessert lover, but the options have remained the same: chocolate torte, rice pudding, and a Basque cheesecake. At this point, I've tried them all, and while they are not terrible, they fail to impress. They lack balance; for example, the chocolate dessert could benefit from a tart or creamy contrast, which has been missing during my visits. I've deducted one star for the food quality and variety, and another for value. Given the prices, the accompanying sides are either poorly executed or nonexistent. The small, sad portion of overcooked mushrooms I received with my halibut left me still hungry, which would have been acceptable if the dessert options were better. The cannelloni is rich and delicious, but it needs something—perhaps a salad with a tangy dressing—to counterbalance that richness. Small additions like this could significantly enhance the dining experience without greatly increasing costs for the restaurant. In past visits, we’ve had dishes like duck, sole, and steak, with varying degrees of success—one dish even came with a cube of dry polenta. I sincerely hope this constructive criticism is taken to heart because I truly love Casanova's, and it pains me to feel disappointed after so many years of enjoyment. I won’t be returning for some time, but I hope they can elevate the kitchen’s offerings to match the charm of the restaurant itself, including its unique atmosphere and attentive service.

Great service, great food and great company. We had to start with the bread...then on to the gnocchi, the burrata with asparagus and butter lettuce salad. Oh! Can't forget the Sunset...it was so tasty!

Nice atmosphere. Good service. Great foods even though a bit expensive. Came over for a dinner. We enjoyed the foods but seated outdoor was cold. Not only our table, I saw the other customers seated outdoors had a same issue, cold. Will come back again when the weather warmer.